Blade assembly having socket support plate

ABSTRACT

A blade assembly is disclosed for a machine. The blade assembly may include a blade having a front surface configured to move a load of material, and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The blade assembly may also include a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive a component associated with a linkage arrangement that connects the blade to the machine. The blade assembly may further include a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket. A gap may be provided between the support plate and the rear surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a blade assembly and, more particularly, to a blade assembly having a socket support plate.

BACKGROUND

A machine, such as a dozer, is often equipped with a blade positioned at a front end of the machine and utilized to move a load of material. Because the load can be very heavy at times, the blade must be durable. In order to increase its durability, the blade is typically provided with many support structures, which increase the weight of the blade. Because of the blade's position and weight, counterweights are added to a rear end of the machine to balance the weight of the blade.

Both the weight of the blade and the counterweights impact machine performance. For example, more weight on the machine during travel leads to reduced fuel economy and, therefore, more expensive machine operations. The increased weight of the blade also tends to affect machine balance and the maneuverability of the blade, which limits the machine's capabilities.

One example of a blade for use with a machine is disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO 2012/166540 A1 to Necib that published on Dec. 6, 2012 (“the '540 publication”). In particular, the '540 publication discloses a blade mounted at the front of a machine. The machine includes a generally U-shaped frame for supporting the blade. A middle portion of the frame is provided with a support coupling to support the blade on the frame and allow the blade to pivot. First and second extendable arms are provided to control the pivoting of the blade. The first extendable arm is coupled to a slide connector on the blade, and the second extendable arm is coupled to a pivot connector on the blade. Both of the connectors are provided with support bases to secure the connectors to a rear surface of the blade and increase the durability of the blade.

Although the blade of the '540 publication may be durable, the blade may still be less than optimal. In particular, the blade may be unnecessarily heavy. For example, the support bases for the connectors can be eliminated to reduce the weight of the blade, while still maintaining the blade's durability. The blade of the '540 publication may additionally include other components that cause the blade to be unnecessarily heavy.

The disclosed blade assembly is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a blade assembly for a machine, The blade assembly may include a blade having a front surface configured to move a load of material, and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The blade assembly may also include a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive a component associated with a linkage arrangement that connects the blade to the machine. The blade assembly may further include a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket. A gap may be provided between the support plate and the rear surface.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a blade assembly for a machine. The blade assembly may include a blade having a front surface configured to move a load of material, and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The blade assembly may also include a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive a component associated with a linkage arrangement that connects the blade to the machine. The blade assembly may further include a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket. The support plate may include a fiat surface at the first end that is configured to be attached to the rear surface and extend in a widthwise direction of the blade. The support plate may also include a curved surface at the second end configured to be attached to an exterior surface of the socket and at least partially circumferentially surround the exterior surface of the socket.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a machine. The machine may include a frame, a traction device connected to the frame and configured to propel the machine, and a blade. The blade may have a front surface configured to move a load of material, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first side surface orthogonal to the rear surface, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. The machine may also include a spherical ball connected at a first end to the frame and at a second end to the blade. The machine may further include a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive the spherical ball to form a ball-and-socket joint. The machine may further include a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket. A gap may be provided between the support plate and the rear surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of an exemplary disclosed machine;

FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of an exemplary disclosed blade assembly that may be used in conjunction with the machine of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of the blade assembly of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 10 having multiple systems and components that cooperate to move material such as ore, overburden, waste, etc. In the disclosed embodiment, machine 10 is a dozer configured to push material during a dozing operation. It is contemplated, however, that machine 10 could alternatively embody another type of machine (e.g., a motor grader, a skid steer, or a plow) that is configured to move, grade, or scrape against the material. As shown in FIG. 1, machine 10 includes, among other things, a linkage arrangement 12 configured to move a blade assembly 14, an operator station 16 for manual control of linkage arrangement 12, and a powertrain 18 that provides electrical, hydraulic, and/or mechanical power to linkage arrangement 12 based on input received via operator station 16. In addition to powering linkage arrangement 12, powertrain 18 also functions to propel machine 10, for example, via one or more traction devices (e.g., wheels or tracks) 20.

Linkage arrangement 12 includes fluid actuators that exert forces on structural components of machine 10 to cause movements of blade assembly 14. Specifically, linkage arrangement 12 includes, among other things, a pair of spaced apart lift arms 22 (only one shown in FIG. 1). Lift arms 22 are pivotally connected at a proximal end to a frame 24 of machine 10 and at a distal end to blade assembly 14. One or more cylinders 26 are pivotally connected at a first end to frame 24 and at an opposing second end to blade assembly 14 and/or to lift arms 22. With this arrangement, extensions and retractions of cylinders 26 function to raise and lower lift arms 22, respectively, along with connected blade assembly 14. In some embodiments, cylinders 26 may additionally cause blade assembly 14 to tilt, rotate, swing, slide, extend, or move in another manner known in the art. It is contemplated that machine 10 could also have another linkage arrangement, if desired.

Operator station 16 is configured to receive input from a machine operator indicative of a desired blade and/or machine movement. In some embodiments, operator station 16 may include one or more input devices (not shown) located proximal to an operator seat (not shown). The input devices are configured to position and/or orient blade assembly 14, to cause acceleration of machine 10, and/or to brake machine 10 by producing signals that are indicative of desired speeds and/or forces in particular directions. The position signals are then used to actuate any one or more of cylinders 26 and powertrain 18. It is contemplated that different input devices may additionally or alternatively be included within operator station 16 such as, for example, wheels, knobs, push-pull devices, switches, pedals, and other operator input devices known in the art. It is also contemplated that operator station 16 could be omitted in applications Where machine 10 is remotely or autonomously controlled, if desired.

Powertrain 18 is supported by frame 24 of machine 10 and configured to generate the electrical, hydraulic, and/or mechanical power discussed above. Powertrain 18 may include any combination of an engine (e.g., a diesel engine), a torque converter (not shown), a transmission (e.g., a mechanical step-change, continuously variable, or hybrid transmission—not shown), a differential (not shown), one or more motors (e.g., electric or hydraulic motors—not shown), axles (not shown), a final drive (not shown), and/or any other known component that functions to transmit a torque through traction devices 20. When powertrain 18 is engaged, traction devices 20 exert a torque on a ground surface below machine 10 that propels machine 10. The engine of powertrain 18 also drives cylinders 26 to move blade assembly 14 in accordance with manual and/or autonomous commands.

Cylinders 26 are each a linear type of actuator consisting of a tube, and a piston assembly arranged within the tube to form opposing control chambers. The control chambers are each selectively supplied with pressurized fluid and drained of the pressurized fluid to cause the piston assembly to displace within the tube, thereby changing an effective length of cylinders 26 and moving blade assembly 14. A flow rate of fluid into and out of the control chambers relates to a translational speed of cylinders 26, while a pressure differential between the control chambers relates to a force imparted by cylinders 26 on the associated structure of linkage arrangement 12. It is contemplated that cylinders 26 could be replaced with another type of actuator (e.g., a rotary actuator), if desired.

Blade assembly 14 is attachable to machine 10 via linkage arrangement 12 and controllable via operator station 16. As shown in FIG. 2, blade assembly 14 includes a blade 30 having a generally rectangular shaped body. Blade 30 has a front surface 32 configured to move a load of material and a rear surface 34 that is opposite front surface 32. In the disclosed embodiment, front surface 32 is generally curved, while rear surface 34 is generally planar. Blade 30 also has a first side surface 36 and a second side surface 38 that is opposite side surface 36. Both side surfaces 36, 38 are generally planar and orthogonal to rear surface 34. Additionally, blade 30 also has a bottom edge 39 configured to engage the ground surface upon which machine 10 travels.

As shown in FIG. 2, blade assembly 14 includes multiple components configured to secure blade 30 to lift arms 22 and/or cylinders 26. In the disclosed embodiment, blade assembly 14 includes a socket 40 that is configured to connect blade 30 to linkage arrangement 12. Socket 40 includes a proximal end 41 connected to rear surface 34 of blade 30, and a distal end 43 spaced apart from proximal end 41, such that socket 40 cantilevers away from rear surface 34 of blade 30. In some embodiments, socket 40 may include a cavity 42 configured to receive a spherical ball that is part of a ball-and-socket joint to attach blade 30 to one or more components of linkage arrangement 12. For example, the spherical ball may be attached to lift arms 22 or cylinders 26. Alternatively, the spherical ball may be attached to other components of linkage arrangement 12 or another linkage arrangement, if desired. In other embodiments, however, cavity 42 may instead be rectangular shaped or any other Shape known in the art and configured to receive a correspondingly shaped part associated with linkage arrangement 12. It is further contemplated that, rather than having a socket joint, blade assembly 14 may instead include a U-joint assembly, a pin-joint assembly, or any other joint assembly having a part that cantilevers from rear surface 34 of blade 30, as desired.

During operation of machine 10, socket 40 experiences large amounts of stress due to forces exerted by components of linkage arrangement 12 and/or forces resulting from heavy loads of material being moved by machine 10. In addition, socket 40 experiences large amounts of stress because it is cantilevered away from rear surface 34 of blade 30. These stresses tend to concentrate in certain areas immediately surrounding socket 40, which can cause deterioration of one or more of the blade's components. Accordingly, in the disclosed embodiment, blade assembly 14 is provided with a support plate 44 configured to reduce stress concentrations immediately surrounding socket 40.

In the disclosed embodiment, support plate 44 has a generally planar body. However, it is contemplated that, in other embodiments, support plate 44 may instead be slightly bent or curved, if desired. Support plate 44 is attached at a first end to rear surface 34 of blade 30 and at a second end to socket 40. In particular, support plate 44 includes a flat mating surface 46 at the first end configured to he attached to rear surface 34 of blade 30 and extend in a widthwise direction of blade 30 (i.e., a direction extending between side surfaces 36, 38). In some embodiments, mating surface 46 may extend generally parallel to bottom edge 39 of blade 30 during operation of machine 10. Support plate 44 also includes a curved mating surface 48 at the second end configured to be attached to an exterior surface 49 of socket 40 and at least partially circumferentially surround exterior surface 49 of socket 40. In some embodiments, mating surface 48 may be attached to exterior surface 49 at a location between proximal end 41 and distal end 43 of socket 40.

In some embodiments, mating surface 46 may be connected to rear surface 34 of blade at a location that is gravitationally higher than where mating surface 48 connects to exterior surface 4$ of socket 40. As used herein, “gravitationally higher” may refer to a component's position with respect to another component, while blade assembly 14 is installed to machine 10. In addition, it is contemplated that, although shown as a curved surface, mating surface 48 may instead be a flat surface, a triangular surface, or a squared suffice, depending on a corresponding shape of socket 40. However, regardless of the shape of mating surface 48, both mating surfaces 46, 48 may be aligned in the same plane along support plate 44.

In some embodiments, mating surfaces 46, 48 of support plate 44 may be welded to blade 30 and socket 40, respectively. However, in other embodiments, mating surfaces 46, 48 of support plate 44 may be attached to blade 30 and socket 40, respectively, via adhesives or any other attachment method known in the art. It is further contemplated that, support plate 44 may instead be integral with rear surface 34 of blade 30 and/or the exterior surface of socket 40.

In the disclosed embodiment, support plate 44 also includes a first side edge 45 and a second side edge 47 opposite to side edge 47. Side edges 45, 47 are generally linear and extend away from socket 40 in a widening direction, such that a width w of support plate 44 increases from the second end to the first end (i.e., from mating surface 48 to mating surface 46). In some embodiments, the width w may increase such that a widthwise extent of support plate 44 is greater than a widthwise extent of socket 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, support plate 44 is mounted, such that there is a gap between rear surface 34 of blade 30 and support plate 44. Other conventional support plates typically have additional material between the support plate and a rear surface of the blade, however, this adds unnecessary weight to blade 30. The disclosed support plate 44 provides a gap between rear surface 34 of blade 30 and support plate 44 to reduce the amount of material, and thereby, reduce the overall weight of blade 30, in some embodiments, support plate 44 may be mounted at an angle α of about 20-40° with respect to rear surface 34 of blade 30 (shown in greater detail in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, support plate 44 may be mounted at an angle α of about 30° with respect to rear surface 34 of blade 30.

Support plate 44 helps to reduce stress concentrations immediately surrounding socket 40 by transferring some of the load from socket 40 to structural components of blade 30. In particular, mating surface 46 extends in a widthwise direction of blade 30 in between side surfaces 36, 38 of blade 30 to spread the transferred load along rear surface 34 of blade 30. As a result, support plate 44 reduces stress concentrations immediately surrounding socket 40 using only a single component, thereby eliminating a need for additional support structures, such as doubler plates. In addition, support plate 44 is mounted with a gap between support plate 44 and rear surface 34 of blade 30, thereby eliminating unnecessary additional material. Thus, the number of parts and material is reduced to decrease the weight of blade assembly 14, and the durability of blade 30 is maintained.

In addition to socket 40, blade assembly 14 also includes other components configured to secure blade 30 to lift arms 22 and/or cylinders 26. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, blade assembly 14 one or more bracket assemblies that are each configured to connect lift arms 22 and/or cylinders 26 to rear surface 34 of blade 30. One or more fasteners, such as pins, bolts, etc. may then be used to secure each cylinder 26 to its respective brackets.

In the disclosed embodiment, a first pair of brackets 50, 52 is mounted to rear surface 34 at a location proximal to side surface 36 (i.e., between a widthwise center of blade 30 and side surface 36). The first pair of brackets 50, 52 includes an upper bracket 50 and a lower bracket 52 vertically spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, brackets 50, 52 may be configured to receive a first cylinder 26 of linkage arrangement 12. In addition, a. second pair of brackets 54, 56 is mounted to rear surface 34 at a location proximal to side surface 38 (i.e., between a widthwise center of blade 30 and side surface 38). The second pair of brackets 54, 56 includes an upper bracket 54 and a lower bracket 56 vertically spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, brackets 54, 56 may be configured to receive a second cylinder 26 of linkage arrangement 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the first pair of brackets 50, 52 and the second pair of brackets 54, 56 may be equally spaced apart on either side of socket 40 (i.e., socket 40 is disposed between the first pair of brackets 50, 52 and the second pair of brackets 54, 56).

The disclosed embodiment also includes a. third pair of brackets 58, 60 that is mounted to rear surface 34 at a location proximal to side surface 38 (i.e., between a widthwise center of blade 30 and side surface 38) and is gravitationally higher on blade 30 than the first pair of brackets 50, 52 and the second pair of brackets 54, 56. The third pair of brackets 58, 60 includes an upper bracket 58 and a lower bracket 60 vertically spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, brackets 58, 60 may be configured to receive a third cylinder 26 of linkage arrangement 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of transition plates 62, 64 are associated with brackets 58, 60. In particular, transition plates 62, 64 are mounted to rear surface 34 of blade 30 at each end of brackets 58, 60. The use of transition plates 62, 64 helps transition the load on brackets 58, 60 to blade 30 gradually, and thereby, make local stresses more manageable for blade 30. Transition plates 62, 64 are lighter and more effective than alternative support structures, such as doubler plates. In some embodiments, transition plates 62, 64 may be generally T-shaped. However, it is contemplated that, in other embodiments, transition plates 62, 64 may be in the form of any other shape, as desired. Although not shown in FIG. 2, other transition plates may also be used with other brackets mounted on blade 30, such as, for example, any of the first pair of the brackets 50, 52 or the second pair of brackets 54, 56.

The disclosed embodiment further includes a fourth pair of brackets 66, 68 that is mounted to rear surface 34 at a widthwise center of blade 30 and is gravitationally higher on blade 30 than the first pair of brackets 50, 52, the second pair of brackets 54, 56, and the third pair of brackets 58, 60. In some embodiments, brackets 66, 68 may be configured to receive a fourth cylinder 26 of linkage arrangement 12.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed blade assembly is applicable to any machine where it is desirable to provide a lighter blade. The disclosed blade assembly finds particular applicability with dozers, motor-graders, and skid-steers that have one or more cylinders that function to move a blade. The disclosed blade assembly also finds particular applicability to machines requiring replacement blades after prolonged use.

The disclosed blade assembly provides a lighter blade compared to conventional blades, while still maintaining the durability of the blade. In particular, the disclosed blade assembly includes a single support plate providing support for a socket mounted on the blade. The support plate has a flat mating surface attached to the blade that extends in a widthwise direction of the blade, which spreads a load along a rear surface of the blade, in order to reduce stress concentrations immediately surrounding the socket. Using only a single support plate, as disclosed, allows the blade to reduce its weight, while still maintaining its durability,

By using the disclosed blade assembly, the blade's weight can be reduced, which also allows the operator of the machine to reduce the amount of counterweights positioned in a rear end of the machine. The reduced weight of the blade as well as the reduced counterweight can improve performance of the machine. For example, the machine's fuel economy, maneuverability, and/or balance can be improved as a result of the reduced weight on the machine.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the blade assembly of the present disclosure. For example, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the blade assembly disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A blade assembly for a machine, comprising: a blade having: a front surface configured to move a load of material; and a rear surface opposite the front surface; a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive a component associated with a linkage arrangement that connects the blade to the machine; and a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket, wherein a gap is provided between the support plate and the rear surface.
 2. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the support plate includes a flat surface at the first end that is configured to be attached to the rear surface and extend in a widthwise direction of the blade.
 3. The blade assembly of claim 2, wherein the flat surface extends generally parallel to a bottom edge of the blade.
 4. The blade assembly of claim 2, wherein the support plate further includes a curved surface at the second end configured to be attached to an exterior surface of the socket and at least partially circumferentially surround the exterior surface of the socket.
 5. The blade assembly of claim 4, wherein the curved surface is attached to the exterior surface of the socket at a location between a proximal end of the socket and a distal end of the socket.
 6. The blade assembly of claim 4, wherein the flat surface is connected to the rear surface at a location that is gravitationally higher than where the curved surface is connected to the exterior surface of the socket.
 7. The blade assembly of claim 4, wherein the support plate has a generally planar body.
 8. The blade assembly of claim 7, wherein the flat surface and the curved surface are generally aligned in the same plane along the support plate.
 9. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the support plate includes first and second side edges extending away from the socket in a widening direction, such that a width of the support plate increases from the second end to the first end.
 10. The blade assembly of claim 9, wherein a widthwise extent of the support plate is greater than a widthwise extent of the socket.
 11. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the support plate is mounted at an angle of about 20-40° with respect to the rear surface.
 12. A blade assembly for a machine, comprising: a blade having: a front surface configured to move a load of material; and a rear surface opposite the front surface; a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive a component associated with a linkage arrangement that connects the blade to the machine.; and a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket, wherein the support plate includes: a flat surface at the first end that is configured to be attached to the rear surface and extend in a widthwise direction of the blade; and a curved surface at the second end configured to be attached to an exterior surface of the socket and at least partially circumferentially surround the exterior surface of the socket.
 13. The blade assembly of claim 12, wherein a gap is provided between the support plate and the rear surface.
 14. The blade assembly of claim 12, wherein the flat surface extends generally parallel to a bottom edge of the blade.
 15. The blade assembly of claim 12, wherein the curved surface is attached to the exterior surface of the socket at a location between a proximal end of the socket and a distal end of the socket.
 16. The blade assembly of claim 12, wherein the flat surface is connected to the rear surface at a location that is gravitationally higher than where the curved surface is connected to the exterior surface of the socket.
 17. The blade assembly of claim 12, wherein the flat surface and the curved surface are generally aligned in the same plane along the support plate.
 18. The blade assembly of claim 12, wherein the support plate includes first and second side edges extending away from the socket in a widening direction, such that a width of the support plate increases from the second end to the first end.
 19. The blade assembly of claim 12, wherein the support plate is mounted at an angle of about 2.0-40° with respect to the rear surface.
 20. A machine, comprising: a frame; a traction device connected to the frame and configured to propel the machine; a blade having: a front surface configured to move a load of material; and a rear surface opposite the front surface; and a spherical ball connected at a first end to the frame and at a second end to the blade; a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive the spherical ball to form a ball-and-socket joint; and a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket, Wherein a gap is provided between the support plate and the rear surface. 